If you're eager to learn about what life is like on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, plan to visit the USS Midway Museum. Aboard the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, you'll have the opportunity to explore 60 different exhibits and 29 restored aircraft. During the self-guided audio tour, you'll see the crew's sleeping quarters, the engine room, the ship's jail and the primary flight control room, among other areas of the 4-acre flight deck. Travelers say the audio guides are informative, but they also recommend stopping to listen to the knowledgable volunteer docents (many of them military veterans) stationed throughout the museum. One TripAdvisor review explains why the docent insight is so valuable: "That made the experience REAL for us, and we looked at the ship in a whole new light." Along with the exhibits, the museum also boasts two flight simulators. Though it's a unique experience, recent visitors say there's no need to fork over the extra coin for a simulator ride since there's already so much to see and do at the museum.

You'll find the USS Midway Museum located about half a mile south of the Maritime Museum on North Harbor Drive. The museum is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission is at 4 p.m. Tickets for adults cost $20; senior admission is $17; children (ages 6 to 12) and retired military get in for $10. Save $2 on each admission by purchasing tickets on the museum's website. Travelers highly recommend buying your tickets beforehand to avoid the long lines.